DHEA for PCOS Infertility: Does It Help? (2025 Study)

study PMID: 40726885

Quick Summary: A recent study suggests that DHEA supplements might help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. The research found that DHEA improved hormone levels linked to metabolism and fertility, but it didn't directly measure pregnancy rates.

What The Research Found

This study looked at how DHEA affects hormones in women with PCOS who were also struggling with infertility. The researchers found that DHEA seemed to improve the balance of certain hormones (adiponectin and leptin) that play a role in metabolism and reproductive health. These changes suggest DHEA could potentially help with fertility, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Study Details

Who was studied: 60 women aged 18-35 with PCOS and infertility.

How long: The study lasted for 12 weeks (about 3 months).

What they took: Half the women took 25 mg of DHEA daily, and the other half took a placebo (a "dummy" pill).

What This Means For You

If you have PCOS and are trying to get pregnant, this research suggests that DHEA might be worth discussing with your doctor. The study showed positive changes in hormone levels that could potentially improve fertility. However, it's important to remember:

This study didn't directly measure pregnancy rates. It only looked at hormone changes.

Talk to your doctor before taking DHEA. It can have side effects and isn't right for everyone. They can help you decide if it's a good option for you.

Study Limitations

It's important to keep these things in mind when considering this research:

Short study: The study was only 3 months long, so we don't know the long-term effects.

Small group: The study involved a relatively small number of women, so the results might not apply to everyone.

Specific population: All participants were Iranian women, so the findings might not be the same for women from other backgrounds.

No pregnancy data: The study didn't track whether the women actually got pregnant.

More research needed: We don't fully understand how DHEA works to improve fertility.

Key Findings

The study found that DHEA supplementation (25 mg/day) significantly increased adiponectin levels by 22% (p=0.015) and reduced leptin levels by 30% (p=0.003) in women with PCOS and infertility. The leptin/adiponectin ratio—a marker of metabolic and reproductive dysfunction—decreased by 40% (p=0.001) in the DHEA group compared to placebo. These changes suggest DHEA may improve fertility in PCOS patients by modulating adipokine balance, though direct fertility outcomes (e.g., pregnancy rates) were not measured.

Study Design

This was a 12-week, controlled clinical trial conducted in Iran, involving 60 women aged 18–35 with PCOS and infertility. Participants were randomized into two groups: one received DHEA supplementation (n=30), and the other received a placebo (n=30). Adipokine levels (adiponectin, leptin) and hormonal profiles were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study focused on metabolic and endocrine biomarkers rather than direct reproductive outcomes.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 25 mg of DHEA orally daily for 12 weeks. The placebo group received identical capsules without DHEA. Supplementation was standardized across groups, with compliance monitored via pill counts.

Results & Efficacy

DHEA significantly improved adipokine profiles:
- Adiponectin: Increased by 22% in the DHEA group (mean change: 4.1 µg/mL, p=0.015).
- Leptin: Decreased by 30% in the DHEA group (mean change: -12.8 ng/mL, p=0.003).
- Leptin/Adiponectin Ratio: Reduced by 40% (p=0.001), indicating improved metabolic-reproductive signaling.
No significant changes were observed in the placebo group. Hormonal improvements correlated with reduced insulin resistance (HOMA-IR: p=0.02) but did not affect testosterone levels.

Limitations

Short duration: 12 weeks may be insufficient to assess long-term hormonal or fertility impacts.
Sample size: 60 participants limit statistical power and generalizability.
Demographic restrictions: All participants were Iranian women, so findings may not apply to other populations.
No direct fertility measures: The study did not track ovulation rates or pregnancy outcomes.
Mechanistic focus: Effects on adipokines were observed, but the exact pathway linking DHEA to fertility improvement remains unclear.

Clinical Relevance

For women with PCOS and infertility, DHEA supplementation (25 mg/day) may offer metabolic benefits by enhancing adiponectin and reducing leptin—hormones linked to insulin sensitivity and ovarian function. However, this study does not confirm direct fertility improvements (e.g., conception rates). Clinicians should consider these findings as preliminary evidence for DHEA’s role in metabolic regulation in PCOS, but larger trials with reproductive endpoints are needed. Users should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential hormonal side effects.

Note: The study’s conclusions are based on biomarker changes rather than clinical pregnancy outcomes. Further research is required to establish DHEA’s efficacy in treating PCOS-linked infertility.